Lipid nanoparticles based on omega-3 fatty acids as effective carriers for lutein delivery. Preparation and in vitro characterization studies

• New stable and efficient bio-active lipid nanocarriers based on ω-3 fatty acids.
• Highly antioxidant nanoparticles for delivery of sensitive lutein.
• Fish oil concentration was found to enhance the lutein-entrapment efficiency.
• Lipid nanocarriers with potential to trap up to 98% the oxygen free radicals.
• In vitro lutein release from lipid nanocarries was slower than from nanoemulsion.

This study aimed at exploring the behavior of fish oil enriched with ω-3 fatty acids in order to obtain stable lipid nanocarriers (NLCs) with improved characteristics as effective delivery systems for lutein. The particle size of optimized lutein-NLCs was below 200 nm. The less ordered arrangement of lipid core revealed by scanning calorimetry and the high entrapment efficiency of 88.5% clearly indicated the appropriate role of fish oil in obtaining effective lipid nanocarriers. The evaluation of in vitro antioxidant activity has demonstrated a significant blocking effect of NLCs, scavenging up to 98% oxygen free radicals. The in vitro release profile has shown that NLCs are able to ensure a better, in vitro sustained release of lutein as compared to conventional nanoemulsions.